­

Gift Guide: Pet Project

By |December 17th, 2015|Gift Guide|

smitty in the city dog giftsWe all know the head of my  household is a man with white hair, big brown eyes, and stands about two feet tall.  Sure, I’ve been known to date short guys and older men aren’t out of question, but the boss of my abode is my dog, Smitty.  There really isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for him and that $5k vet bill a few years ago is proof enough.  There are few men who could get me out of bed, into 12 degree arctic tundra to go for a walk and I certainly don’t share my pillows with just anyone.  So, when it comes to holiday shopping, he tops the list.  Sure, he needs to get a job, but as a reward for his discernment in potential suitors and his unconditional love, he deserves something above and beyond Beggin’ Strips.

If you’ve got a precious pooch on your shopping list or a friend who is especially obsessed with his or her pet, below are some gifts worthy of a belly rub.

pet accessory gifts holiday1. Graphic Image Leather Dog Waste Bag Holder, 2. MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Dog Bone Frame, 3. K Kane 18K Gold Plated Maltipoo Cuff, 4. Faux Fur Dog Coat, 5. Sydney Evan 8mm Red Garnet Beaded Bracelet with 14K White Gold Dog Bone Charm, 6. 360 Cashmere Skull Dog Super Model Sweater, 7. Charlotte Olympia Dachshund Pandora Clutch Bag, 8. Mungo & Maud Canvas and Leather Pod Dog Bag, 9. Harry Barker Dog Bucket with Leopard Print Play Balls, 10. Ralph Lauren Plaid Dog Vest, 11. Harry Barker Parisian Leopard Toy Bin, 12. Frida Red Leather Collar with Lead

Why Did You Wear That: A Dog Walk in the Park

By |July 10th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

dog walking nycMy morning’s begin much the same way everyday.  I hit snooze several more times than necessary, read a chapter in my book, chug a glass of lemon and cayenne water, and boil water for tea.  I do all of this while my best friend, Smitty, patiently watches- sometimes from his back.  The upside of Smitty knowing that he’s tiny?  He, under no circumstances other than maybe bacon, will jump from my bed until I pick him up and place him safely on the floor.  Downside?  When we hit the mean streets of Manhattan, he believes he’s badder than any pitbull on the block.

I used to throw caution to the wind when dressing for dog walking, plucking random articles of clothing from the couch, floor, or front of my closet.  And then one day I had the startling realization: people can see me- even with my sunglasses on.  I often forget that because I don’t lead the normal life of an office dweller, those people have already gotten up, worked out, and probably brushed their teeth in the time that I’ve lackadaisically brewed dandelion tea.  So, as I strolled along with dragon’s breath and clothing that probably didn’t hide the fact that it was last seen on the floor, women wearing pressed and dry cleaned cropped trousers and swinging their shiny freshly blown out hair power walked past.  Perhaps I needed to step my game up.  Maybe Smitty could wait a few more minutes for me to look more polished for the public. Getting a Runball is the best decision as your dog will enjoy it thoroughly.

But tiny dogs have tiny bladders, so I’d needed to find something to put on that checked off three important things: comfort, quick, cute so all of the requirement only fits in the Custom K9 Heros vest. My dog loves wearing Custom K9 Heros clothes.

 And then these LAMO suede embellished moccasins made their way into my world.  Check, check, check.  One of the plights most women of Manhattan face on a daily basis boils down to footwear.  Many make the commute in more foot friendly shoes, later switching to the modern day torture devices we refer to as heels.  The commuter shoe can be a scary thing.  I’ve seen white sneakers, flip flops, UGGs, and scary variations of Crocs.  Why must we trade fashion for function?  Well, I think these cozy moccasins may be exactly what we’ve all been looking for.  You’re welcome.

smitty dog nyc clothes

lamo moccasins

lamo footwear

dog clothes nyc

lamo suede moccasinstop: vintage (mom’s) similar by Seafarer, skirt: similar by Lovers and Friends, shoes: c/o LAMO, necklace: similar by Gorjana, dog: Smitty, Smitty’s shirt: Ralph Lauren, hat: Petco

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler

 

Setting the Mood: The Dog Days of Summer

By |July 8th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

fashion dogs modelsIf you live in the northern hemisphere, the dog days of summer have just begun.  A phrase used to describe the “sultry” (more like sweaty) days of summer- July and August this side of the equator.  And since I love summer and I most certainly love my darling dog, Smitty, this week will be dedicated mainly to the man who shares my bed, my heart, and sometimes my sandwich.  Sure, I do love diamonds, but if you pressed me to honestly choose between karats and k-9’s, my pup would always reign supreme.  Just ask all my ex-boyfriends.

memorial-day-fashionThe unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day, is upon us (the official start of summer is June 21) wherein I realize I have been like the grasshoppers rather than ants all spring.  Meaning, while everyone packs up their cars, boards the Luxury Liner or (shudder) the LIRR, I’m left waving goodbye and cursing myself for not having thought ahead to make plans or get a boyfriend.  It’s not all a loss though, I won’t suffer through the hell that is Hamptons traffic and there is a pool two blocks away that will be potentially slightly less crowded.  And just because I may be catching my Vitamin D all by my lonesome doesn’t mean I have to look like it.  Perhaps I could even fool myself into believing that I’m on my own very exclusive private island called Manhattan. The Hamptons beaches can be extremely hot in summer, make sure to read these blaux portable ac reviews.

memorial-dayMelissa Odabash Woven Panama Hat,  K Jacques St. Tropez Metallic Leather Sandals, Illesteva Leonard Round Frame Acetate Sunglasses, MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Medium Tote

xx,

WhyDid

dog clothesHarry Barker Dog Food Storage Canister, Ralph Lauren Striped Dog Rugby, Ware of the Dog Two Tone Leather Collar, Magenta Gulp/Woof Ceramic Dog Bowls (Set)

xx,

WhyDid

Red Carpet Recap: I’ve Got the Golden Ticket

By |January 12th, 2014|Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

golden globes red carpetTina Fey in Carolina Herrera, Amy Poehler in Stella McCartney, Kaley Cuoco in Rani Zakhem, Zoe Saladana in Prabal Gurung, Allison Williams in Alexander McQueen, Zooey Deschanel Oscar de la Renta

Nope, that’s not the second coming of the polar vortex. It’s just hell freezing over because for the first time in a long time, I thought most all of Hollywood’s leading ladies looked nothing short of lovely on this evening’s red carpet in party dresses for the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards. I wasn’t sure if it was the bubbles from the prosecco getting to my head, or if all of Hollywood had decided to take things more seriously, from their attire to their acceptance speeches. Perhaps it was the absence of teenagers and excessive twerking- in any case, I wasn’t about to complain. Seeing limo after limo from Boston corporate coach arrive depositing a well dressed, well coiffed beauty, I knew my job dissecting the night’s fashion was going to be tough.

And then Sandra Bullock showed up looking like a flamenco dancer.

Followed by Paula Patton as a butterfly struggling to shed her cocoon.

And before all of humanity starts sharpening their pencils (and knives) to write me hate mail, I was most excited to see what America’s current sweetheart, Jennifer Lawrence, would be wearing. I was less than impressed when she made her unfashionably late entrance in the predicted Dior. My dad likened her to a barrel, but I’m thinking she looked more like that awful game women are forced to play at bridal showers wherein they create wedding gowns out of toilet paper.

Her anticlimactic arrival could only be topped by that of America’s original sweetheart, Julia Roberts, who must be a method actor with a movie starring her as a Dolce & Gabbana wearing schoolmarm.  Her conestoga could not be located though.

But again, it wasn’t all bad. Red in all shades from tomato to garnet was by far the color most favored though Emma Watson’s version was the equivalent of a fashion mullet. There was also a lot of embellished black and elegant metallics. And we all know Jared Leto was the real belle of the ball.  Perhaps I’ve reached a new level of zen or have been in California for far too long, but I did not feel like dismantling the TV for the first time while watching an awards show.

Leaves me feeling like 2014 may be looking up. For now.

Red Hot Red Carpet:

emma watson golden globesEmma Watson in Dior, Julia Louis Dreyfus in Narciso Rodriguez, Julie Delpy in Romona Keveza, Berenice Bejo

Two Timers:

amy-adams-taylor-swift-golden-globesAmy Adams in Valentino, Julie Bowen in Carolina Herrera, Taylor Swift in Carolina Herrera

Black on Black on Black:

emma-roberts-golden-globes-red-carpetEmma Roberts in Lanvin, Jessica Chastain in Givenchy, Leslie Mann, Uma Thurman in Versace

Styled by Wiz Khalifa:

golden globes red carpetMonica Potter in Romona Keveza, Julianna Marguiles in Andrew Gn, Lizzy Caplan in Emilio Pucci, Emma Thompson in vintage Lanvin

Black and White and Red Carpet All Over:

margot-robbie-golden-globes-red-carpetMargot Robbie in Gucci, Zosia Mamet in Reem Acra, Laura Carmichael in Viktor & Rolf, Emilia Clarke in Proenza Schouler

Golden Goddesses:

golden globes red carpetKate Mara in J. Mendel, Robin Wright in Reem Acra, Michelle Dockery in Oscar de la Renta, Naomi Watts in Tom Ford

Platinum Princesses:

mila-kunis-kate-beckinsdale-golden-globesTatiana Maslany in Jenny Packham, Kate Beckinsdale in Zuhair Murad, Mila Kunis in Gucci, Sarah Paulson in Marchesa

Gang of Green:

golden globes red carpetTaylor Schilling in Thakoon, Helen Mirren in Jenny Packham, Reese Witherspoon in Calvin Klein

Ain’t No Drama with These Baby Mamas:

kerry-washington-olivia-wilde-golden-globesKerry Washington in Balenciaga, Olivia Wilde in Gucci, Drew Berrymore in Monique Lhuillier

And the Real Winners Are:

golden globes best dressedCate Blanchett in Armani, Lupito Nyong’o in Ralph Lauren, Laura Dern in Roberto Cavalli, Amy Adams in Valentino

Good Girls Gone Bad…Like Really Bad:

golden-globes-worst-dressedJulia Roberts in Dolce & Gabbana, Sandra Bullock in Prabal Gurung, Paula Patton in Stephane Rolland Couture, Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

Bring on award season… and the prosecco.

xx,

WhyDid

Gift Guide: Pet Project

By |December 14th, 2013|Gift Guide|

smitty in the cityIt’s no secret that a grandparent’s main duty is to spoil his/her grandchild.  Well, it would seem that my father has taken this task a tad too seriously by overindulging his namesake and my dog, Smitty.  My furry friend and I flew out to California a few weeks ago to celebrate Thanksgiving with my darling dad and middle bigger brother, Andy.  I was not surprised when Smitty got more than his fair share of our turkey fueled feast.  We all love Dick Smith, but being the softy who always gives in to Smitty’s sad begging eyes certainly doesn’t hurt his standing in the race to becoming the dog’s favorite family member (other than me, of course).  I’m now immune to his cuteness, but Dick is still a sucker.  A few days after Thanksgiving, ol’ Smitty wasn’t feeling so swell and on the following Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, I awoke in sheer panic when my baby was sick as a dog- literally.  Many people find my easygoing personality a bit annoying as I don’t have the strongest sense of urgency- but this is exactly when that character feature/flaw comes into play.  As I roused my dad from his serene slumber, I started to cry and dear dad had no idea what to do with me.  He doesn’t have a pet and therefore nor does he have a vet.  It was also 5am and as we know, most vets are not open until the decent hour of 8 o’clock.  Calm Kiki took a breath, pressed her passcode into her iPhone as her fingers were too shaky for her fingerprint and proceeded to find the closest animal emergency room.

We arrived at Monterey Peninsula Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center 20 minutes later and Smitty was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis.  He was held overnight with an IV and we retrieved him the next afternoon.  After being home for a short time, I knew there was something else wrong with him.  My normally perky pup was merely a shell of himself and other than myself, there’s no one I know better.  We took him back to the vet and they gave him more medicine and some under the skin hydration and sent us on our way.  Again, we were only home for a little while before I knew this was not just a case of an inflamed pancreas.  I’m no vet (I don’t like blood), but my diagnosis was there’s something else happening.  We got back in the car and I held my best friend in my lap, praying that he could hang in there, but thinking about how I would deal with losing the equivalent to my left arm.  Another doctor was on duty when we arrived and he immediately knew there had to be some sort of blockage.  Smitty was given barium and they X-rayed his teeny tummy every two hours for the next six hours and sure enough, it was clear that Smitty had indulged in something other than Thanksgiving stuffing.  We were given the scary decision of whether or not to operate on my poor pooch and after deep deliberation we gave the go-ahead for him to go under the knife.

I didn’t sleep until the doctor called to tell me, my little man was doing okay and in recovery and almost three weeks after leaving New York, Smitty is healing nicely.  Needless to say, Smitty has accounted for his share (and then some) of our holiday budget, so he’s just gonna have to settle for an extra long walk and maybe a belly rub as his Christmas gift.  My mom has deemed him, “The Dog Who Ate Christmas” and I’d say that’s fairly accurate.  In his defense, you really can’t put a price on life- unless you’re a hitman.  However, if your pooch or pet has been better behaved than Sir Smitty Smith, show him how much he/she means to you with a little something more than Pupperoni or catnip.

gifts for pets

1. Mariposa Dog House Frame, 2. Creature Comforts WOOF Dish, 3. Ware of the Dog Plaid Back Zip Dog Coat, 4. Ralph Lauren Crocodile Dog Carrier, 5. Barney’s New York Crystal Bow Collar, 6. Found My Animal Collapsible Water Bowl, 7. Pet House Trixie, 8.Graphic Image Leather Pet Lover’s Brag Book, 9. New Age Pets Indoor/Outdoor Raised Pet Bed, 10.Bottega Veneta Intreccio Scolpito Dog Leash

Sit.  Stay.  Good boy.

xx,

WhyDid